Labtests NZ

Providing community and commercial pathology services to the Auckland region.

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Careers at Labtests

Labtests provides high quality, accessible, sustainable, and affordable pathology services contributing to the health and well being of the greater Auckland population.

Our laboratory is highly automated and technically advanced, and we deliver an outstanding service for patients and health professionals. We are committed to the future of pathology in New Zealand through excellence in technical, clinical, and service innovations.

Our laboratory is divided up into different Departments:

Specimen Reception

Haematology

Immunoserology

Biochemistry

Anatomical Pathology

Microbiology

Collection Services

Clinical Data Centre

Logistics

Specimen Reception

Specimen reception is responsible for receipting samples into the laboratory and delivering them to the correct internal and external testing destinations. They ensure that all the relevant patient demographics correlate, and follow-up where necessary.

Haematology

Haematology is the study of blood, blood-forming organs, and blood diseases. Haematologists examine blood films using a microscope to diagnose diseases such as anaemia, and bone marrow disorders. Blood samples are analysed by highly automated machinery to analyse the components of patient blood samples.

Immunology

Immunology is the study of diseases caused by disorders of the immune system. Disorders can be broadly categorized as either immunodeficiency where part of the immune system fails to provide an adequate response or autoimmunity where the immune system attacks its own host's body. Hypersensitivity disorders are also possible where the immune system responds inappropriately to compounds.

Biochemistry

Biochemistry involves the analysis of body fluids for diseases such as diabetes and renal failure using enzyme activity measurements, spectrophotometry, electrophoresis, and immunoassays. Highly automated machines are closely monitored and quality controlled by scientists and technicians.

Anatomical Pathology

Anatomical Pathology has two main sections at Labtests: Histology and Cytology.

Histology: In Histology, tissue samples are prepared for examination by a pathologist. Tissues are dissected, embedded in wax, and then thinly sliced. The tissue is then stained to allow differentiation of tissue components. Histology is especially important for the diagnosis of cancer.

Cytology: Cytology is the study of cellular disease using cellular changes within specimens to diagnose disease. The most common application is the Pap smear which is used as a screening tool to detect precancerous cervical lesions and prevent cervical cancer.

Microbiology

The Microbiology team isolate, identify and perform sensitivity testing on bacteria and fungi from a range of patient samples including blood, urine, and faeces samples. Microbiology is also involved in the microscopic examination of specimens for parasites.

Collection Services

Collection Services are responsible for collecting specimens from the patients for Laboratory testing.

Clinical Data Centre

The Clinical Data Entry Centre is responsible for the accurate and timely entering of codes for patient testing procedures, laboratory results, contact centre information services for community pathology patients, and referring practitioners. There are three sections within the Clinical Data Centre:

Data Entry

Call Centre

Logistics

Logistics manage the logistical operations of Labtests such as warehousing, supply, and distribution of stock for both internal and external customers, as well as co-ordaining and organising the medical courier network. Logistics is also responsible for the facilities and maintenance for all Labtests greater Auckland regional sites. Within logistics there are 3 main areas: